The Curious Case Of... with Ira Khan

Ira Khan
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semiweekly

Hosted by Ira Khan, the show invites you to slow down and get curious about the complexities of mental health and mental illness — not just as clinical terms, but as real parts of real life. In a world flooded with advice, opinions, and endless content, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and walk away with more confusion than clarity. This podcast is a counter-space. A space for asking instead of assuming. For listening instead of scrolling. For wondering why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. Joined by psychologists, artists, caregivers, people with lived experience, and fellow question-askers, Ira explores the many layers of the human experience — from how we cope and connect to how we break and rebuild. Each episode offers a space to go deeper — whether it’s through experiences, stories, science, or shared vulnerability. No pressure to have it all figured out. Just room to explore the questions that matter. Because maybe the most powerful thing we can do — is stay curious.

  1. The Curious Case of… Navigating Mental Health Care in India ft. Dr. Amit Malik

    May 3

    The Curious Case of… Navigating Mental Health Care in India ft. Dr. Amit Malik

    In this episode of The Curious Case of…, Ira sits down with Dr. Amit Malik to talk about the mental health system — what’s missing, what’s delayed, and what still needs to change. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Because if you’re someone struggling right now, knowing the system isn’t perfect doesn’t tell you what to do today. It doesn’t make it easier to take the first step. So they ask a more immediate question: given the system we have, how do you actually find help — and find it early? They explore what it means to navigate care in a practical way — how to recognise early signs, what to look for in the help you’re receiving, and when it might be time to keep searching. The conversation also reflects on the realities of the system in India today, and where it still needs to evolve. Because even if the system takes time to change, your need for support is here, now. Stay curious.   Resources: Mental Health and Additional Resources Directory ​​ What is Therapy? What is a Safe Space?  CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Art Design: Ayushi Lilani Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    1h 11m
  2. The Curious Case of… It’s Ok to be Ok ft. Nikhil Taneja and Bakul Dua

    Apr 5

    The Curious Case of… It’s Ok to be Ok ft. Nikhil Taneja and Bakul Dua

    Ira talks to Nikhil and Bakul about the growing use of mental health terms — how they’ve become more accessible, and at times, misused. They explore when labels can help us make sense of our experiences, and when they might limit us or shift responsibility.   It’s a conversation about finding balance — and learning how to engage with these terms more thoughtfully. It’s a conversation about language, meaning, and the space between understanding and oversimplifying.   Because the way we use words shapes the way we see ourselves — and that’s worth approaching with curiosity. CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Art Design: Ayushi Lilani Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil   Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    1h 11m
  3. The Curious Case of… But I’m Fine

    Mar 22

    The Curious Case of… But I’m Fine

    Ira talks to the guest about their journey with mental health, shaped by growing up in an environment where abuse was normalised. Space is held for their experiences with suicidality and self-worth, which continue to influence who they are today. They discuss what healing, rebuilding relationships and moving forward has looked like.   It’s a conversation about survival, understanding, and living with what we’ve been through.   Even through trauma, curiosity can keep you going. CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Art Design: Ayushi Lilani Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil   Recorded at Agatsu Foundation Community Centre, Mumbai Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    55 min
  4. The Curious Case of… No Risk vs Low Risk ft. Abhijit Nadkarni

    Mar 7

    The Curious Case of… No Risk vs Low Risk ft. Abhijit Nadkarni

    Ira talks to Dr. Abhijit Nadkarni about understanding addiction — how to tell the difference between deeply enjoying something and being unable to step away from it, and what that distinction really means.   They explore the biology of addiction, while also asking where our scope for change lies — often in the psycho-social spaces of support, structure, and daily choices. The conversation turns to what help actually looks like in practice, and how to operationalise advice or treatment instead of just talking about it.   They reflect on the often misunderstood point: quitting is a single decision but staying away is often an everyday choice.   It’s a conversation about agency with accountability and replacing shame with compassion. Because even when the going gets really hard, curiosity helps!   Chapters: 00:00 The Hidden Risks of Casual Drinking 00:47 What Is Addiction? 01:35 Enjoyment vs Compulsion: Understanding Addiction 06:46 Substance vs Behavioral Addictions 10:49 Alcohol and Its Health Risks 12:39 The Biology of Addiction: Dopamine & the Brain 17:47 Genetics vs Environment in Addiction 21:13 Why People Start Drinking 28:27 The Spectrum of Alcohol Problems 33:38 How to Recognize Risky Drinking 42:52 Why Early Drinking Increases Addiction Risk 55:23 Treatment, Recovery, and Staying Sober   CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Art Design: Ayushi Lilani Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil   Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    1h 13m
  5. The Curious Case of… Putting The Kids First

    Feb 22

    The Curious Case of… Putting The Kids First

    Ira talks to her guest about navigating divorce while raising young children — making the decision to separate, holding personal pain, and still creating stability for the kids. They reflect on the added responsibility of parenting, and the effort it takes to set aside feelings about a partner so children can continue to see their father simply as their father, while constantly trying to understand what they need and how best to show up for them. It’s a conversation about care, resilience, and finding steadiness in the midst of change. Because even life’s hardest transitions call for curiosity.   For more information, click here.   CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Art Design: Ayushi Lilani Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    53 min
  6. The Curious Case of… Living on Hope ft. Amrit Bakhshy

    Feb 8

    The Curious Case of… Living on Hope ft. Amrit Bakhshy

    What does it mean to show up for someone you love when the path ahead is turbulent and unclear?   In this episode, Ira talks to Amrit Bakshy about his journey as a father to a daughter living with Schizophrenia. He reflects on the early days — when information was scarce, fear was high, and every decision was consequential and how all those experiences slowly reshaped his life, his priorities, and his own understanding.   Over time, his personal journey grew: doing his best to support his own child, helping other families walking similar paths. It’s a conversation about learning as you go and what it can look like to care deeply in the face of uncertainty.   Because even in uncertainty, curiosity means hope.   00:00 Intro — A Father’s Role as Caregiver   01:37 When His Daughter’s Illness First Appeared   05:50 Learning about Schizophrenia With No Information available   08:55 Medication Struggles & Early Treatment Mistakes   12:00 Turning to Faith, Stigma & Family Strain   14:30 Moving Cities to Support Long-Term Care   17:05 Finding the Right Medication & Stability   19:50 Life Now — Ongoing Care & Future Worries   21:50 Living Without Shame or Hiding the Illness   27:15 It’s the Illness, Not the Person   41:40 When a Loved One Refuses Treatment   49:25 Why Medication Is Often Non-Negotiable   51:40 The Importance of Early Intervention   52:50 Hope, Awareness & Support in Schools   54:00 Emotional Hygiene Exercise & Closing     For more information, click here. CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Research: Rohini Sen  Art Design: Neeta Borkar Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Editorial Assistance: Devanshi Chandak, Rachna Sukuru Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil   Recorded at Grey Spark Audio Academy, Pune Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    47 min
  7. The Curious Case of… post-therapy Kenny ft. Kenny Sebastian

    Jan 25

    The Curious Case of… post-therapy Kenny ft. Kenny Sebastian

    What makes someone start therapy? And what actually changes when you stay with it? In this episode, Ira talks to Kenny Sebastian about his personal journey with therapy — what got him started, how he navigated the taboo in the early days, and how therapy helped him understand himself more clearly. It’s a conversation rooted in lived experience. Through Kenny’s candour and humour, it helps set expectations around what therapy can offer, and just as importantly, what it can’t. Because understanding ourselves is a journey, and it unfolds when we approach it with curiosity.   For more information, click here.   CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Art Design: Ayushi Lilani Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar  Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil   Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    50 min
  8. The Curious Case of… Normal ft. Divyanshu Ganatra

    Jan 11

    The Curious Case of… Normal ft. Divyanshu Ganatra

    Why do we use labels for understanding people? What does “normal” mean — and who decides what’s normal for someone else?   In this episode, Ira talks with Divyanshu about how the meaning of “normal” shifts across contexts — from evolutionary needs to social expectations. They explore why labels continue to exist despite being limiting, and how questioning them can help us reframe our experiences and live more fully on our own terms.   It’s a conversation about language, identity, and empowering ourselves by asking better questions.   Because, if you really think about it, ‘normal’ is a curious word.   For more information, click here. CREDITS: Host: Ira Khan    Agatsu Foundation Team  Research: Rohini Sen  Art Design: Neeta Borkar Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha  Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)   This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha  Visual Designer: Alika Gupta Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar, Quoyina Ghosh Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai   Support the show: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/donate

    44 min
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About

Hosted by Ira Khan, the show invites you to slow down and get curious about the complexities of mental health and mental illness — not just as clinical terms, but as real parts of real life. In a world flooded with advice, opinions, and endless content, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and walk away with more confusion than clarity. This podcast is a counter-space. A space for asking instead of assuming. For listening instead of scrolling. For wondering why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. Joined by psychologists, artists, caregivers, people with lived experience, and fellow question-askers, Ira explores the many layers of the human experience — from how we cope and connect to how we break and rebuild. Each episode offers a space to go deeper — whether it’s through experiences, stories, science, or shared vulnerability. No pressure to have it all figured out. Just room to explore the questions that matter. Because maybe the most powerful thing we can do — is stay curious.

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